The Veil: Visible and Invisible Spaces November 13 - December 12 Opening reception: November 4, 5-8pm Gallery talk with Curator Jennifer Heath: November 14, 4pm followed by a panel discussion   The Veil: Visible and Invisible Spaces is an exhibition of the work of twenty-nine artists including videographers, filmmakers and new media artists, as well as painters, sculptors, performance and installation artists. Each considers and re-visions the veil in its many manifestations and interpretations and puts veils and veiling into context. The exhibit intends to engage received wisdom - particularly current clichés and stereotypes about Islamic practices - and to reflect on the great ubiquity, importance and profundity of the veil throughout human history and imagination. Curated by Jennifer Heath, this exhibition is a visual companion to Heath's edited volume The Veil: Women Writers on Its History, Lore, and Politics ( University of California Press ).   The Veil: Visible & Invisible Spaces is funded in part by Boulder Arts Commission, the Puffin Foundaition, Ltd., Firyal Alsalabi and the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art. Co-sponsored by Womens Resources Center, Center for Women's Studies, Cultures and Communities Public special events during this exhibition: Gallery talk with Curator Jennifer Heath followed by a panel discussion Revelatio: Seeing Through The Veil November 14, 4pm Jennifer Heath, curator of The Veil: Visible & Invisible Spaces , will discuss the context, culture and politics of the veil and veiling practices worldwide, and the evolution and content of the art exhibiition and its accompanying anthology, The Veil: Women Writers on Its History, Lore, and Politics ( University of California Press ).      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Interpretations of 'Invisible' Communities November 18 and November 23- December 13 On November 18, participate in a community art project in the UWM Union Concourse. Visually display your opinions about topics related to communities that have been veiled in stereotypes, traditionally oppressed or 'invisible' voices in our society. Artwork will be displayed in the UWM Union Atrium from November 23 through December 13.   Co-sponsored by the Women's Resource Center and the Union Studio Arts and Crafts Center -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------   The Veil: Explorations in Film November 20, 7pm This series of short films looks at literal interpretations, historical moments and cultural perceptions of veiling and outside perceptions of women of Islamic faith. They Call Me Muslim In popular Western imagination, a Muslim woman in a veil - or hijab - is a symbol of Islamic oppression. But what does it mean for women's freedom when a democratic country forbids the wearing of the veil? In this provocative documentary, filmmaker Diana Ferrero portrays the struggle of two women - one in France and one in Iran - to express themselves freely. 27 minutes Hollywood Harems Juxtaposing film clips from the 20s through the 60s, 70s, and 80s, Kamal-Eldin explores the organization of gender, race, and sexuality in Hollywood 's portrayal of the exotic east an indiscriminate fusion of things Arab, Persian, Chinese and Indian. She argues, convincingly, that in abridging cultural plurality and difference, these technicolor fantasies have worked both to shape and reinforce often derogative assumptions about peoples of the east while at the same time reinscribing the moral, spiritual, and cultural supremacy of the Anglo-European west. 24 minutes Transparency This documentary examines one of the more controversial issues in Islam today the Hijab - the Islamic dress code for women. It answers a fundamental question: Is the Hijab a form of oppression or a woman s expression of faith? Through sharing their views and personal experiences several Muslim Women living in the United States help us understand the various attitudes towards the Hijab and the compelling arguments of the underlying issues from morality modesty and faith to oppression and a woman s right to choose. 30minutes   Co-sponsored by the Women's Resource Center ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revelations of Veiled Communities November 25, 7pm These film shorts cover various cultural groups and individuals that could be seen as members of 'veiled' communities- or communities that are little known in both current and historical contexts. Prince Among Slaves Prince Among Slaves Tells the true story of a little known African American hero, an African prince who was sold into slavery in the American South in 1788. His name was Abdul Rahman Ibrahima Sori, and he remained enslaved for forty years, before ultimately regaininh his freedom and returning to Africa . 60 minutes   Black & White This film shines a sensitive light on a subject that is too often either shunned or sensationalized: the experiences of intersex people (sometimes called hermaphrodites). This beautiful and stylish film artfully explores the potent creative collaboration between Mani Bruce Mitchell and the acclaimed photographer Rebecca Swan. Portrayed through this lens, Mitchell's story introduces viewers to notions of fluid gender identity, challenging the rigid categories of "male" and "female." 17 minutes   Something's Moving Indian Boarding Schools were the federal government's primary tool of assimilation for Native Americans. Using neglect, abuse and isolation at times, these schools sought to sever ties between parent and child & child and culture. SOMETHING'S MOVING explores the realities and contradictions of the boarding schools through the voices and stories of former students, and follows their attempts at healing themselves, their families and communities from this little known aspect of 20th century American history. 8 minutes   Co-sponsored by the Women's Resource Center , the Multicultural Student Center , American Indian Student Services, and the LGBT Resource Center ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Salome and Her Dance of the Seven Veils: The Evolution of a Myth Dance and multimedia presentation by Shireen Malik December 3, 7-8:30pm   In the Western imagination, an Oriental woman is typically envisioned either as a passive victim hidden beneath her veil or an exotic temptress - the dancing girl whirling with wild abandon in a dance of the seven veils. Such a dance is actually the literary creation of English playwright Oscar Wilde in his opus Salome, completed in 1892. The play premiered in Paris in 1896, but was banned in Britain because of the portrayal of biblical characters. Ironically, there is no "Salome" mentioned by name in the Bible, nor is there any reference to dancing with veils - not one veil, let alone seven. In 1905, the Richard Strauss opera Salome, based on Wilde's story, was presented with great success to the European public. Salome and her Dance of the Seven Veils came to life, and has been a fantasy figure ever since. Shireen Malik pursues a vibrant career as a dancer and independent scholar, focusing on Oriental dance (bellydance), flamenco, salsa, and hula.     Campus Level, Room W199 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd. Milwaukee, WI 53211 414.229.6310 Hours: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat 12-5pm; Thu 12-7pm